Sexual harassment is one of the most serious problems that many organizations face today. In a survey conducted by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), 29% of women have experienced unwanted sexual advances from their superiors or coworkers at some point in their career. This is compared to only 6% of men who reported experiencing it. The MeToo movement has also highlighted the prevalence of this issue, making it clear that there are more victims than we thought.
The effects of sexualized work environments go beyond just those who experience harassment. It can affect everyone's sense of psychological safety in the workplace.
In a study published in the Journal of Applied Psychology, researchers found that employees working in sexualized workplaces were less likely to feel safe than those working in nonsexualized ones. They defined a sexualized environment as having objects, behaviors, or language related to sex and/or nudity in the physical surroundings, such as posters, music, or jokes. Sexualization was measured based on the number of sexual cues present. The results showed that employees in highly sexualized workplaces had lower levels of job satisfaction, organizational commitment, and overall job performance.
They felt more stress and anxiety, leading to increased burnout rates.
The reasons for these findings may be due to the discomfort caused by the presence of sexual elements in the workplace. Employees may feel uncomfortable speaking up about concerns or expressing themselves freely for fear of being judged negatively or reprimanded. This can lead to a lack of trust in management and co-workers, which can further exacerbate the problem. On top of that, the distraction created by sexual content can hinder productivity and motivation.
Some argue that sexualized workplaces can boost employee morale and create a positive atmosphere. This argument is supported by studies showing that humor and flirting can improve job satisfaction and reduce stress levels. But the issue remains that this type of environment creates an imbalance of power, with men holding most of it. Women are more likely to face retaliation if they speak out against it, while men have more control over what happens in their environment. This inequality can make women feel unsafe and vulnerable, which takes away from any potential benefits.
To address this issue, organizations should take proactive measures to create safe and inclusive work environments free from sexual harassment. Managers should set clear policies and procedures for reporting and investigating incidents, as well as provide training on appropriate behavior and how to prevent it.
Employers can encourage healthy behaviors such as open communication and respectful language to foster a culture of psychological safety.
Employees need to hold each other accountable for their actions and report any issues they encounter promptly so that the company can address them effectively. By doing these things, we can ensure that every worker feels comfortable, valued, and able to succeed without having to worry about sexualization.
How do sexualized workplace environments affect employees' sense of psychological safety?
Sexualized workplaces can have profound effects on employee's psychological safety, which is essential for positive mental health and productivity. The perception that they might be judged based on their appearance rather than professional competence can lead to self-doubt, anxiety, and reduced confidence. This may result in decreased motivation, lower job satisfaction, and increased stress levels.